Meteorologists are ‘all a twitter’

    Well, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration. However, it was a fun way to announce that air quality forecasts are now available on Twitter! This is important news because poor air quality affects everyone. The quickest way to follow your local air quality forecast on Twitter is to go to  http://www.maine.gov/dep/air/ozone/twitter.htm. There is also a link on the air quality forecast web page.
    Maine DEP’s Air Quality Meteorologists get the word out in different ways so that every one in the state can learn about the next day’s air quality forecast. Air quality forecasts are available year-round. People with heart or lung disease face an even greater risk from poor air quality. Those who adjust their activities can reduce the likelihood they’ll need medication or hospitalization.
    Twitter accounts were created for the four regions where Air Quality Alerts have been issued in recent years. ‘Tweets’ are generated every day and provide the next day’s date and air quality forecast. The forecast uses the Air Quality Index (AQI) category for that region. For more details about the forecast check out the air quality forecast web page.
    The Air Quality Forecast page is easy to get to by going to www.mainedep.com and clicking on “Maine Air Quality Forecast”. It covers the entire state and often includes specific details like the time of day. In addition, there are pages that explain the health impacts of ozone and particle pollution. Other pages present data and more information about air quality and an air quality map of Maine that is updated hourly.
    You can receive e-mails and/or text messages with the air quality forecast for your area by subscribing to EnviroFlash. There is a link to EnviroFlash on the air quality forecast page. EnviroFlash is triggered by the level of the AQI that you select. We encourage those with a heart or lung disease to select the ‘Moderate’ (yellow) category. For most people we suggest selecting the ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ (orange) category because at these levels everyone should begin to adjust their activities. This way you’ll only get emails or texts when the air quality reaches a level that concerns you.
    There is also an Air Quality Hotline available by telephone. You can listen to the air quality forecast by dialing (800) 223-1196.
    When air quality is expected to be unhealthy the DEP issues an Air Quality Alert. The alert is sent to the state’s Citizen Alert system (www.maine.gov) as well as the press and your local National Weather Service office.
    So choose your favorite way to ‘Keep an eye on the AQI’.
    This column was submitted by Martha Webster, air quality meteorologist for the DEP’s Bureau of Air Quality. In Our Back Yard is a regular column of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. E-mail your environmental questions to infodep@maine.gov or send them to In Our Back Yard, Maine DEP, 17 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.